NORTH BAY - The Ontario government is investing $5 million in Norgalv to help the steel galvanizing company open a new plant in North Bay. The funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and will be used to build a new facility, purchase equipment and establish a single production line, creating 45 new full-time jobs.
"We are proud to support the expansion of Norgalv, which will create jobs in North Bay and contribute to our economic recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak," said Vic Fedeli, MPP for North Bay. "Now more than ever, our government recognizes the importance of showcasing Northern Ontario as a great place to invest to attract business and remain competitive."
Once established, Norgalv will be the only steel galvanizing company in Northern Ontario. Galvanizing adds a protective zinc coating to metal to protect it from rusting. The new plant will strengthen the steel value chain as producers and machine shops will now have a local and more cost-effective source for galvanizing.
"As our economy reopens, manufacturing companies like Norgalv are doing their part and working hard to create good-paying jobs in the north," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. "Strengthening the local steel industry in North Bay is an important part of our government's plan to create more jobs and attract new and expanded investment so our northern communities can grow and thrive."
"Today's announcement is another chapter in what will be a long and prosperous journey for Norgalv in Northern Ontario, and North Bay specifically," said Andre Van Soelen, Managing Director, Norgalv Limited. "Growing the economy and creating jobs are not mere slogans for this government, rather they are goals, proven by the assistance and support shown here today. Norgalv's products will be manufactured in the North, used in the North, and hopefully exported from the North, resulting in increased job opportunities and economic growth for our region."
The NOHFC promotes economic development across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects - big and small, rural and urban - that stimulate growth, job creation and skilled workforce development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $193 million in 1,386 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $748 million in investment and creating or sustaining 3,912 jobs.
With all regions of Ontario having entered Stage 3 of reopening, the government is moving forward with its made-in-Ontario plan for renewal, growth and economic recovery. For a list of restrictions that remain in place for Stage 3, please visit ontario.ca/reopen.